Edson named CEO of Sewall

OLD TOWN, Maine — The James W. Sewall Co. has named David Edson, a longtime forester and executive at the company, as the Old Town-based consulting firm’s new president and CEO.

Edson has worked at Sewall since 1974, beginning his career as a forest technician and then working his way up to executive vice president and eventually president. The company announced this week that Edson will add CEO to his title following the appointment of former CEO James Page as chancellor of the University of Maine System.

As vice president of forestry and natural resources in 1983, Edson helped design and implement Sewall’s use of geographic information systems — or GIS — that have become standard tools in forestry and land-use management today. Edson and Page also worked together to expand the firm’s consulting services into other areas, such as renewable energy, according to the company.

“Dave is an instinctive leader who has driven Sewall’s strategic initiatives and operations with a hands-on, collaborative management style,” Page said in a statement. “Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of our clients, their market drivers and evolving needs. As a result, he brings to the role of CEO a unique combination of vision, client focus, and commitment to Sewall and to Sewall’s future.”

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A resident of Veazie, Edson earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and his master’s in forestry from the University of Maine.

Founded in 1880, Sewall is an international firm that provides consulting to clients on forestry and other natural resources, energy and infrastructure.